Each November, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Central Ohio Chapter hosts an awards luncheon in honor of National Philanthropy Day, a celebration of generosity, service, and community. The event always falls close to Thanksgiving, offering a chance to reflect on gratitude and the power of giving.
This year’s event, themed “Celebrating Generosity and Impact,” recognizes eight outstanding honorees whose leadership and philanthropy strengthen Central Ohio. As a past recipient of the Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award, I know how meaningful this recognition is, not only for those receiving the honor but for the countless people their work has touched.
Congratulations to this year’s honorees:
- Outstanding Small Business: CK Construction Group
- Outstanding Large Corporation: Grange Insurance
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser: Jim Durham
- Outstanding Volunteer Fundraising Group: ProMusica Sustaining Board
- Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy: Sara Kallenberg
- Outstanding Fundraising Professional: Deirdre DeWeese
- Outstanding Philanthropist (The Columbus Foundation): Kathryn Flynn
- Leave a Legacy Award (Charitable Gift Planners of Central Ohio): Dr. Ann E. Teske and Dr. Doug Teske
Each honoree demonstrates what it means to lead with purpose and heart. I am especially pleased to see the ProMusica Chamber Orchestra Sustaining Board recognized. Early in my career, I served as ProMusica’s development director and interim executive director. I know firsthand the dedication and love that sustain that remarkable organization, and spent years assisting with Culinary Capers.
I am thrilled that Grange Insurance is being honored this year. As the Mollard Consulting team participates in the 2025 Nonprofit CEO Forum hosted at Grange today, it feels fitting to celebrate an organization whose commitment to service and community has long inspired us. Congratulations to Carrie Maun-Smith and Natalina Fickell.
And, I’d like to recognize Jim Negron, President of CK Construction, for his outstanding service to the community. He holds leadership roles on multiple boards, but we have had the privilege of working with him through GCAC. What a well-deserved honor.
At Mollard Consulting, we have had the privilege of serving nearly 200 unique clients this year. We are especially thankful this November for the nonprofit leaders who inspire us, the missions we help advance and the communities that benefit from this collective impact.
National Philanthropy Day reminds us that generosity takes many forms. It lives in every donor, volunteer, and nonprofit professional who gives their time and talent to make our community stronger.
As we move through this season of gratitude, I invite you to reflect on the organizations and causes that matter most to you. Support them, celebrate them, and share their stories. Together, we can make a difference.
Happy National Philanthropy Day to all my colleagues, and Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers.
